‘…With a fear level like that, her reaction makes sense.’
I looked at Mary, laughing like a madwoman, with a mixture of pity and concern.
“Let’s rest here for a bit before moving on.”
Krius glanced at me subtly, then pulled me aside and whispered quietly.
“That survivor… I think enduring such extreme conditions has affected her mind…”
“Yeah. That seems likely.”
“‘Seems likely’? What’s with that indifferent response?”
Krius raised his voice slightly, frustrated.
“What do you want me to do? Should I start acting crazy and jumping around too?”
“What if taking a single mad human along leads to total annihilation? One wrong move and we could all be in danger!”
“We won’t be annihilated. A short rest will be enough.”
“Does it look like resting will make her okay?”
“Ahhh!”
While Krius and I argued, Mary suddenly screamed.
“What? What’s happening?”
We rushed to her side. Mary was holding her breath, pointing at something. She indicated the stairs, then buried her face in the ground, trembling. From above the steps, a faint reddish glow appeared—something we hadn’t noticed before.
“W-we’re all going to die….”
Havel also frowned at the faint reddish light, and Krius and I exchanged a worried glance.
* * *
Basileon entered the dress room accompanied by a servant. The room was dark, heavy with atmosphere, completely lacking mirrors.
Basileon had almost neglected the space entirely. Thanks to the servants’ maintenance, it wasn’t dirty, but aside from the dark clothing he always wore, there was little else. Considering his status as a duke, it was an exceptionally modest space. He had already endured a gloomy life full of headaches and had no desire to worry over trivial matters like choosing an outfit.
“Um…”
The servant who entered the dressing room watched Basileon’s face. Saying he was tired of wearing the same clothes. Was it just for a change of pace? Or perhaps there was another reason?
“My lord, is there another reason for preparing your attire?”
“….”
Instead of answering, Basileon’s earlobes turned red as he shifted his gaze elsewhere. Watching this scene, the ghost servant caught onto the hidden meaning.
‘As the rumors said, it really was because of the evil spirit.’
The servant spoke up energetically.
“Very well. If it is for a change of mood, I shall select an appropriate outfit for you.”
Fortunately, even among the dark-colored garments, a few suitable options stood out. Some were slightly outdated or worn, but that didn’t matter. In this cursed duchy, there was no need to worry about social appearances anymore. The servant pointed out a few outfits with a serious expression.
“I recommend this outfit.”
The choice was a deep navy uniform, adorned with intricately embroidered gold epaulets and buttons. Its silhouette followed the waistline elegantly.
“Since you always wear black, I suggest trying a different tone this time.”
Basileon hesitated briefly, then nodded as he regarded the clothing. After dressing in the outfit the servant selected, he sat down to prepare his hair. The ghost servant could not physically arrange his hair, so he had to do it himself.
“…Just give simple instructions.”
“Pardon?”
The servant looked taken aback.
“How could someone like me dare to give instructions to my lord…?”
Basileon let out a small chuckle at the servant’s reaction.
“No need to overthink. It’s just grooming.”
“…Th-then, I shall do my best.”
However, the situation was far from simple. Since the servant could not physically touch Basileon’s hair, all he could do was instruct verbally. He hesitated a moment before speaking.
“…It would be best to sweep your hair slightly back, exposing the forehead and eyebrows.”
Basileon followed the instructions, running his fingers through his hair. Soft strands slid through his fingers, revealing the normally hidden black right eye. His movements to arrange his hair were awkward.
“My Lord. It will not stay in place just by adjusting it with your hands. How about using the pomade and comb in front of you….”
The servant carefully advised the Duke. Basileon nodded and used the oil and comb.
“And… yes, brush that part a bit more. Ah, no, a little further left…”
Basileon silently followed the directions. Time passed more than expected. Though the servant was not physically affected, he felt sweat forming and his skin growing clammy.
“How is this?”
Basileon confidently showed his appearance to the servant.
“Absolutely splendid!”
The servant clapped. It had started clumsily, but thanks to his guidance, the final result was presentable. Basileon then carefully selected a fragrance to finish his grooming. When he stood, his presence seemed to shine even brighter.
“Ooh.”
To the servant, Basileon no longer appeared as a brainwashed killer trapped in darkness.
“Truly…”
“Wait.”
The servant was about to continue praising him, but Basileon’s demeanor changed.
“What is that sound?”
“…Pardon?”
Basileon approached the wall and leaned his ear against it, searching for a quiet sound.
“This is definitely coming from the passage.”
“I don’t hear anything, but….”
He focused all his senses on the sound traveling through the wall.
“One… two… three… four or more. And…”
The servant watched Basileon’s expression carefully. If angered, he could reduce the place to ruins with his Flamberge. The servant knew better than to provoke him.
“Evien?”
Basileon’s breathing grew rough, seemingly excited by what was happening inside the passage.
“M-My Lord…!”
Ignoring the servant, Basileon drew his Flamberge. Then…
Thrust!
The ghost servant’s eyes widened. Basileon struck the wall with the Flamberge, igniting flames. Soon, the wall began to melt. Observing closely, the servant noticed the flames were blue. If left unchecked, the entire castle might collapse, leaving the duchy in ruin.
“My Lord! If you do this, the castle might collapse!”
“…It won’t collapse from just this. And I haven’t lost my mind.”
Nonetheless, Basileon eventually subdued the flames himself. The melted portion of the wall created a space large enough to pass through.
“This should be enough.”
A portion of the passage was now visible. Without hesitation, Basileon leapt into it.
“Where are you going!”
“Who knows.”
He let out a small sigh before disappearing.
“Damn it. Please…”
The ghost servant buried his face in his hands, silently praying Basileon wouldn’t vanish.
* * *
The red light leaking from the top of the stairs. Mary trembling in fear at the sight. And Havel Akron scowling.
“What on earth is going on up there?”
“Ughhh….”
But Mary was in no state to answer, thrashing and pounding the ground with her fists.
“Havel. You’re fine, so tell us. What is it?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know, yet you’re frowning so unpleasantly.”
“Uu… the light hurts my eyes.”
“…”
Krius, looking back and forth between Havel and Mary, seemed full of complaints.
“Look at this! How are we supposed to escape with someone like Havel and this crazy survivor?”
“‘Someone like Havel’? What do you mean by that?”
“Clumsy, slow, and dull. We don’t know what dangers lie ahead, and these two survivors are like ticking time bombs!”
“Ghost…. You’re mean. I’m not stupid.”
“Eek!”
Havel, overhearing Krius, suddenly appeared at the side, looking ready to join the conversation.
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